In support of the PNP’s campaign to help protect and preserve our environment, cultural properties, and natural resources, the police authorities of Pilar Municipal Police Station arrested a wanted person for violation of Section 77 of PD 705 as amended by Executive Order 277 and R.A. 7161 yesterday, March 16.
Police Colonel Laudemer M. Laude, Provincial Director, identified the accused as Eddie G. Espejon, a 58-year-old farmer and a Barangay Asinan, Pilar, Surigao del Norte resident.
A manhunt operation was conducted by the Pilar MPS yesterday around 10:30 a.m. in Brgy. Asinan, Pilar town, which resulted in the arrest of Espejon by virtue of a warrant of arrest for violating Section 77 of PD 705 as amended by Executive Order 277 and R.A. 7161 under criminal case number 23-38.
On March 9, 2023, the Regional Trial Court (RTC), 10th Judicial Region, Branch 31, Dapa-Surigao del Norte, issued the said arrest warrant with a recommended bail bond of Php 24,000.00 for his temporary liberty.
Citing the investigation of Pilar MPS, Espejon committed the violation on December 20, 2022; he allegedly illegally cut the preserved wild tree lumber, locally known as “jagao,” without permission from the owner in Pilar town, Siargao Island.
“SDN-PNP are committed to protecting our forests and natural resources from illegal activities. With orders of the court to apprehend these violators, we will continue to search for them and hold them accountable for their violations under the rule of law,” PD Laude said.
Espejon is now under the custody of Pilar Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
(Source: Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office – SDN PPO Facebook page)